Alexis Mac Allister was given his fifth yellow card of the season against Newcastle United, therefore earning himself a suspension for Saturday's meeting with rivals Everton
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool reacts
Alexis Mac Allister of Liverpool reacts to his yellow card during the Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park on December 4, 2024 (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
Liverpool have been dealt a major blow for Saturday's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park against Everton as Alexis Mac Allister will be suspended. The midfielder earned himself a one-match ban with his fifth yellow card of the season against Newcastle United.
Arne Slot knew the risks involved as he selected Mac Allister to play at St. James' Park on Wednesday night, opting to make three other changes to his starting line-up instead. In the 20th minute, the Argentine was given a booking by referee Andy Madley for blocking the run of Magpies defender Fabian Schar.
The Argentine was visibly annoyed with the decision, suggesting it was only shoulder-to-shoulder contact. It means he will now be unavailable for one domestic fixture, which just so happens to be the final Merseyside derby at Goodison Park against rivals Everton.
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Without further hinderances, Liverpool's options in midfield to face the Blues will be Dominik Szboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones, Wataru Endo, Harvey Elliott, Tyler Morton and Trey Nyoni.
Slot already has injury worries in defence, with Ibrahima Konate, Kostas Tsimikas and Conor Bradley recently added to his growing list of absentees.
Another worrying facet about that fixture is the quick turnaround between that and tonight's battle with Newcastle. A 7:30pm kick-off on Wednesday is followed by an early 12:30pm kick-off on Saturday - roughly 65 hours' difference.
After Mac Allister's yellow card Newcastle went on to take the lead through striker Alexander Isak, and largely dominated the first-half proceedings.
With Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City simultaneously in action, the Reds' lead at the top of the Premier League is on course to shrink.